World in Brief / PORTUGAL

EU leaders agree on reform treaty

European Union leaders meeting in Lisbon today agreed on a reform treaty to replace their failed European constitution and give the 27-nation bloc more say in world affairs, diplomats said.

The agreement came after the EU leaders resolved eleventh-hour reservations about the draft text, notably from Poland and Italy, they said.

The reform treaty -- to be formally signed by the EU leaders in Lisbon on Dec. 13 -- promises to accelerate decision-making so EU members can act more swiftly on global issues such as defense, energy security, climate change and migration.